12 Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss in 2024, According to Dietitians

If you’re concerned about buying protein powders littered with additives, Naked Whey’s 100% grass-fed, pure whey protein uses a cold processing method to eliminate chemical detergents, synthetic additives, or heavy metals from its powders. And with zero additives, artificial sweeteners, or colors, this powder is the purest you can get.

Each scoop delivers 25 grams of muscle-building protein with only 3 grams of carbs and 2 grams of sugar. Whey protein also contains the most leucine, an essential amino acid that helps build muscle, so it’s best to consume it right after a workout.

Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 120 calories, 2 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 45 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 25 g protein

Levels Nutrition puts their protein powders through strict protocols to ensure you get the highest quality product. Their whey protein powders are antibiotic-free, rGBST-free (the hormone that farmers inject into cows to boost milk production), and contain no sugar or artificial flavors. Add it to your morning oatmeal, pancakes, and homemade granola bars for a boost of the muscle-building stuff. You also get this giant five-pound tub for $70–a steal for grass fed whey protein.

Nutrition info per scoop: 130 calories, 2 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 70 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 0 g added sugar), 25 g protein

Ora Organic’s protein powder features kale, acai, blueberries, rice protein, pea protein, hemp, flax, quinoa, and spirulina, giving you a big nutritional boost in each serving—meaning it’s a great choice for those who prefer to turn their smoothie into a well-balanced snack. The base is pea and rice protein, which blend into a smooth consistency that never feels gritty or chalky.

Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 130 calories, 3 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 390 mg sodium, 5 g carbs (1.8 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 22 g protein

Hemp protein is a nutritious choice when you’re looking to fill your glass with a good dose of fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This hemp powder from Manitoba Harvest has 20 grams of protein in one scoop, along with 3 grams of fiber and 4.5 grams of polyunsaturated fats. It has a mild taste, so it mixes well in smoothies, soups, and sauces.

Nutrition info per scoop: 140 calories, 6 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 15 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (3 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 0 g added sugar), 20 g protein

Plant protein powder blends are an excellent way to get the best vegan proteins in addition to other nutrients. This powder from Orgain includes all-organic ingredients including pea protein, brown rice, and chia seeds, increasing the fiber content to 5 grams per two scoops. Plus, reviewers note that it blends well, tastes great, and doesn’t cause pain or bloating for those with sensitive stomachs.

Also, it’s important to note that it has amassed more than 42,500 5-star reviews on Amazon. And in a segment that typically has 5-star reviews ranging between 60-70% of the total reviews for high-quality, popular products (people tend to be highly critical of protein powders due to the taste and consistency), this protein powder maintains an impressive 75% 5-star review percentage of the total.

Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 140 calories, 4.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 190 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (5 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 21 g protein

Egg protein powder simply comes from dried egg whites. This type of protein is slow digesting but works faster than casein, making it another good option for a post-workout smoothie. This particular powder has just two ingredients: egg white protein and sunflower lecithin. It contains zero artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. Thanks to its 25 grams of protein in one serving, it tastes a bit more savory than sweet.

Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 110 calories, 380 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (less than 1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 25 g protein

This multi-purpose protein powder contains a blend of whey and casein, a great muscle-building combo. And even without any sugar in the product, reviewers rave about the taste and versatility of this powder. Add it to shakes, pancakes, yogurt, you name it—this powder will blend in easily and amp up the nutrition of your snack or meal.

Nutrition info per serving: 110 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 115 mg sodium, <1 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 23 g protein

Pea protein powder is a popular option for vegans or those who have an aversion to whey because it’s a an easily digestible plant protein. The only drawback is that it’s not a complete protein, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting complete proteins elsewhere in your diet. This pea protein powder from BulkSupplements has 21 grams of the muscle-building macronutrient in one scoop and has just 2 grams of carbs. It’s also free of soy, sugar, and gluten.

Nutrition info per 30 grams: 110 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 180 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 21 g protein

Soy is a complete plant protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. It’s also considered the best plant-based protein for building muscle. This powder from NOW Sports packs 20 grams of pure, unadulterated soy protein isolate, while keeping the calorie count low at 90. NOW Sports products have also been tested for banned substances by LGC, a global assurance program for anti-doping in sports nutrition products.

Nutrition info per 1/3-cup serving: 90 calories, 0.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 170 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 20 g protein

Made with peas, artichokes, algae, sprouted quinoa, and amaranth, this vegan-friendly powder is a great way to sneak in more plant-based powerhouses in your smoothie or snack. Best of all, it’s non-GMO and gluten-free. If you’re following a low-carb diet, this protein powder is a great option and will allow you to eat more of the nutrient in your actual meals.

Nutrition info per scoop: 120 calories, 3 g fat, 390 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (<1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 21 g protein

This vegan-friendly protein powder is made with organic yellow peas from Canadian farms. What sets this pea protein powder apart from others is NorCal’s method of adding nitrogen and biomass back to the soil in their farms, thereby reducing pests and yielding more nutritious harvests. The powder is free of added flavors, sugars, and colors, so you’re getting the real deal.

Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 100 calories 1.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 90 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 22 g protein

Think of casein as the slow-digesting cousin of whey protein, delivering a steady flow of amino acids. While it’s not as effective at building muscles as whey, it still keeps you fuller for longer. This low-calorie powder has 25 grams of casein protein and 0 grams of sugar. ProMix Nutrition also ensures that they work with Midwest dairy farms that provide hormone- and antibiotic-free milk for a higher-quality protein.

Nutrition info per 2-scoop serving: 105 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 45 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 25 g protein